Purpose: This study aims to analyze the factors affecting the agenda-setting process and the formation process of school-based mental health policies by applying a policy stream model. Methods: For this purpose, Kingdon's policy stream model was used as the analytical framework. Results: First, when establishing a school-based mental health policy, the agenda was set going through unpredictable and nonlinear changes. Second, for the school-based mental health policy to be selected onto the

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... a and to be developed and implemented as an actual policy, the role of policy makers was considered most important in the process. Third, the policy window for school-based mental health policy was closed around the year 2013. Finally, an analysis of the school-based mental health policy stream identified two key features. One is that the school-based mental health policy first emerged when school violence prevention policy expanded its scope into relevant neighboring policies. The other is that the school-based mental health policy has taken shape through a linear decision-making process (being put on the government's agenda, searching for an alternative, selection, and implementation) during the policy implementation period after it has been selected as an alternative policy. Conclusion: Conclusions can be summed up as follows. The school-based mental health policy needs continuous development and improvement in case the window for the policy may open in the coming future. The government's support is needed to draw policy makers' interest and participation who play the biggest role in establishing policies.